@Kobe I am so sorry to have read your post and your updates. I can't begin to imagine how heartbroken you must all be and all I can do is pass on kind thoughts from the other end of the internet. Your little one has been so lucky to share every minute with you and your family and that experience, though short will have meant the absolute world to him x
What terrible, heartbreaking news. I wholly second Rosie's post. This is your decision, and you are clearly deciding in your dog's best interests No-one can tell you when is right, though your vet can give you some guidance. I am of the 'better a week too early than a day too late' school of thought. I am so very sorry for you and your family.
I am so so sorry to read your post. I actually read it last night but I couldn't write anything because there is just nothing anyone can say. But you have been on my mind today so I wanted to write something. It sounds as though your puppy has been very lucky to have you as his family and that he has been an incredibly happy dog. Nobody can tell you what to do, it has to be your decision and I know you will make it selflessly. There is a poem called 'if it should be...' rather than post it I'll suggest you look it up at a time you feel ready. It may help you make a decision. It is just devastating that he is so young but he does not know how long his life is meant to be. At least the life he has had he has been happy and loved. Well done. Massive hugs to you all.
I'm so very very sorry for you. I dreaded I was going to be in a similar, but perhaps less urgent situation than yourself just over 4 yrs ago, but we had a reprieve and I frequently give thanks for that. @Coa 's point, I think is very relevant here. Dogs live in the moment, and live for the love and attention we give them right now, not what could have been. . You've done the very best for him and will continue to do so until the end, which will be an awful decision for you, but the most important one for him. I also echo @pippa@labforumHQ ''s comment about not waiting a day too late, it's a personal regret of mine waiting over a weekend until Monday. Sending hugs to you at this terrible time. xxxx
Im so sorry for you! To have to lose a dog so young is heartbreaking. My Lacey (a Japanese Spitz) passed away last year from heart failure. She was 9 so not as young but considering she was completely healthy right up until the month she passed it was a shock, we thought she'd live to at least 11 or 12 years plus as our family's Japanese Spitz's lived a long time. I think if how your puppy is now is not happy, or not being able to be a normal dog without being in constant pain then I agree on your decision, we made the decision to put lacey to sleep after she kept collapsing on her walks and had difficulty breathing. Her gums were blue and she was very sick so we knew it was time. It doesnt make it any easier though. We gave her a full day of doing her favourite thing: eating her favourite foods! We gave her cake, chicken, and cooked dinner. We made sure her last day she was very happy!
I am so so sorry to hear this @Kobe I can't imagine what you are going through right now. All I can offer is some long distance thoughts that you will come through this in the best way you can. I KNOW you will do what is in the best interests for your beautiful boy
Kobe there is nothing I can add to what others have said you know what's best for your dog so ultimately the choice is yours not for someone else to make, and as heartbreaking & hard a decision it is to make just know you will make the correct decision for your pup & your family. My thoughts are with you
I have no words, what a truly heartbreaking decision to be faced with. My pup is the same age as yours and I can't even imagine having to go through what you are. All I can offer are my heartfelt condolences and I know you'll do the best for your pup, whatever that decision ends up being.
Last night he was lying on the grass and honestly, out of nowhere a dead bird literally fell out of the sky and landed at his nose! He got it immediately, so gently, and turned his back to me. He held it in his mouth while I screamed (lol) for him to drop it. He is not really able to rum away and he knows he doesnt stand a chance. He stared at me for about 20 seconds sheepishly and slowly released it and laid down staring at it wimpering - begging me to let him have it, awww. I said "leave it, and we get some carrot soup!" and he cocked his head and ambled on into the kitchen! Such a good dog. "Catching bird" would have been on his bucket list, for sure!!
I suspect that little Kobe will have ticked off most of the things on a Labrador's bucket list in his short life. He has had a wonderful time with you - love, play, food, fun, food, barking at birds, food, tummy rubs, food, meeting friends, food. And now a bird falling into his paws. I don't think Kobe would consider himself hard done by.
I am so sorry for you, I am crying reading this it is so sad. It comes to us all but Kobe is just a pup, it is too cruel, I just don't know what to say. xxxx
I am so sorry for what you and Kobe are going through. You are in my thoughts, and I wish only the very best for you as you navigate this devastating path. When my sister’s dog had to be put down many, many years ago, we took him to the vet rooms. I wish we’d known that a vet could come to the house—it would’ve been less stressful. It doesn’t make it less devastating, but it can make it more peaceful. Ah man, I’m so sorry for you. Sending you a big hug and a shoulder to cry on.
Thanks everyone. I am reading all replies and am so thankful for the support. He is having his hips xrayed tomorrow. The vet said it will help her to know how long we can keep him on pain medication and give us a better picture of the whole scenario. If it's "just" elbows and shoulders she feels she can help him to be comfortable for at least a few months. If it is hips for sure (which she strongly suspects it is, as do we, based on his gait), then she feels it is a choice of days to weeks, rather than months. She started him on Metacam yesterday and really, he has absolutely zero improvement.
